Colorado reports first West Nile Virus cases of 2014

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment today reported two human cases of West Nile virus, the first reported cases this season. The two cases are in Saguache and Pueblo counties.

Image/CDC

State health officials advised Colorado residents to take precautions against West Nile virus by wearing insect repellent and using other methods to avoid mosquito bites when outdoors this holiday weekend. Last year, Colorado reported 322 cases of West Nile virus disease, including seven deaths.

Jennifer House, state public health veterinarian, explained, “Although we can’t predict how much West Nile virus activity will occur this summer, we know that the risk for human disease exists and people should take measures to protect themselves.”